Dr. Morris Garland Wray

Dr. Morris Garland Wray, 73, entered into eternal life on Saturday, September 12, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and William Wray and is survived by his brother, Aubry Wray. Morris spent his childhood on a farm in Greensville County, Virginia and much of his youth was spent working in a country store. Having graduated from Greensville County High School in Emporia, he entered Mars Hill College where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and History with Minors in Education and Religion. Upon graduation from Mars Hill College, he enrolled in Southeastern Seminary at Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree. He was admitted into the Graduate School of Religion at Vanderbilt University, where he later earned the degree master of Arts and the degree Doctor of Philosophy. As an ordained minister, Dr. Wray served a church in Claremont, Virginia and during his ministry there, a sanctuary was constructed. Dr. Wray served as President of Andrew College in Georgia, as Dean of Brevard College in North Carolina, as Associate Dean of students at William and Mary in Virginia, and as Director of Freshman Life at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, and as Vice-President of Internal Affairs at High Point University in North Carolina. Prior to his appointment at High Point University, Dr. Wray served as the Director of the Office of Colleges and Schools, the Division of Higher Education and Ministry, The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the United Methodist Church in Tennessee, where he coordinated the church’s work in support of the 125 Methodist-related schools, colleges and universities. Dr. Wray officially retired May 31, 2005. He then became Vice-President for Institutional Effectiveness at Louisburg College in North Carolina. He was the founder and CEO of Wray and Associates in Jarratt, Virginia where he served as consultant to institutions of Higher Education. He was enlisted as a consultant by Darton College in Georgia, where he assisted in the writing of the history of Darton College. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 25 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia 23867 where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment at Greensville Memorial Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Purdy Baptist Church, c/o Jamie Poole 11457 Slagle Rd, Stony Creek, Virginia 23882 or to a favorite charity.